Listen In!

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20103, 23 March 1928, Page 10

Listen In!

■V NOTES AND PROGRAMMES

(By

The reception from 4QG, Brisbane still continues to be distorted. Strength is there in plenty, but owing to the fault in transmission this station is hardly worth listening to. The American station KFON, California, has been heard fairly well during the week. The volume has not been very great but clarity has been an outstanding feature. In a few weeks time owners of five-valve sets should be able to tune in this station at fair strength.

"Detector.”)

The total number of wireless licenses in Great Britain up till February was 2,36(5,520. Ono might have shut down one’s receiver on Wednesday evening and saved “A” and “B” battery “juice.” Once again static utterly spoiled longdistance reception. The Australians were there at great strength but, well, what was the use!

Those Programmes! That the company has failed to “deliver the goods’’ to the satisfaction of the general body of listeners is very evident, states the Taranaki Daily News. The programmes have catered for one class of listener only, and the Company, instead of bowing to an insistent demand for programmes of a different calibre, have continued to publish articles in its official .organ and in the press, as to why listeners should appreciate what they choose to dish up, and harp upon educating the people by means of their monotonous programmes. The primary and sole reason why 99 per cent, of people buy a radio set for is to be amused, not educated. The company has failed dismally in. its choice of executive officers. Where they should have had a theatrical manager used to entertaining the public and knowing their wants, they appoint a highly technical musical man, with undoubted quqalifications in the musical world no doubt, but apparently quite unsuitable for arranging the fare demanded by the workaday listener.

The amateur Christchurch station 3ZC, was heard clearly and at wonderful strength on Tuesday evening considering the power of the station. A real good programme, too.

The relay of the Humphrey Bishop Musical Cbmedy Company by 3LO Melbourne came through beautifully clear on Tuesday evenipg. Slight static was heard at times, but did not interfere with reception. Great interest vas taken in the relay locally as a number of artists in the company are wellknown here.

All the main New Zealand stations have been heard with fair strength an<L

clarity during the week. Static has been a big of a bug-bear, but, well, we’ve got to put up with it. 2YA takes ■pride of place, followed closely by 3YA, ! with IYA and 4YA following in that i order. The Palmerston North Station 12ZF, was also heard fairly well on Wednesday evening.

The Wanganui Listeners’ League is doing a great deal to help improve programmes etc., and also helping to eliminate interference. It behoves every listener to join up with the league and help it along. Application can be made to the secretary, Air R. Robson, P.O. Box 290, or through “Detector” of this office.

Tone quality is the very living sou! of a musical instrument—it is tone that holds one enraptured as the mellow strains of the violin pour forth. With the Sonora Rad'o Receiving Set, each liquid note flows forth with dear beauty. Even in those delicate compositions of Greig and Chopin, these delightful nuances arc reproducefl with marked fidelity. Each rippling note, every vibrant chord comes io you with all its original mellowness, depth and colouring. Emmett’s, 62 Victoria Avenue, are specialising in Radio Reception. They arc agents for Sonora “Clear as a Bell” Sets. You will be welcome at their “Sound Bex.”* 2BL and 2FC. On top of the. announcement of the amalgamation of 2BL and 2FC, come the proposed union of 3LO and 3AR. It is said that by eliminating duplication of items, etc., and splitting up the hours of running between two stations considerable sums of money will be saved in performing lights, royalties, etc. On the other hand, it reduces the alternative programme at certain times of the day, but on the whole the scheme presents great possibilities. Controvercial Broadcasting. The 8.8. C. now permit he broadcasting of contravcrcial matter, a privilege that has been denied since the inception of broadcasting in the United Kingdom. In New Zealand it is at present “taboo” but one feels sure that if a three-cornered debate between a representative of the listeners, the manager of the R.8.C., and one from the P. and T. Department, were put on the air it would be the most popular item ever put over since the introduction of broadcasting in this country.

The Australian stations have been coming through at excellent strength during the past few evenings. 2BL, Sydney has been heard the best with 2GB, 2FC, 3LO, 3 A I?., SKY, and 4QG in that order.

The matter of interference caused by the signals at railway crossings was brought up again at the Wanganui Listeners’ League meeting on Wednesday evening. It was stated that the Railway Department had taken this matter up and were endeavouring to rectify the trouble.

A number of listeners in Wanganui have written to complain of the prevalence of electrical interference. The Wanganui Listeners’ League has been asked to investigate the matter. The Balkite “A” Battery Trickle Charger entirely eliminates the worry of wondering whether the “A” battery is up to strength, and docs away completely with the necessity of carrying the battery to a charging station. Once connected to your “A” battery the Balkite Trickle Charger will automatically keep your battery at full power. It is noiseless in operation, so that it may be used during the operation of the set. It operates at extremely low cost. Morrison and Co. are the agents. Radio in the Home. The wireless amateur and experimenter who formed the bulk of the listening public in New Zealand three or four years ago, rarely had his receiver housed in a cabinet of any kind. Often his instruments were scattered all over a “bread-board,” with a panel held up by metal supports and sometimes with wires, tinkled, twisted and suffering from unsightly blobs of solder, “all over the shop.” The man who had his instrument in “apple-pie” order and housed in a beautiful case was a rarity then, but to-day, now that wireless is almost universal, he forms a large majority of those who have taken up the art. The up-to-date fan to-day believes in his wireless installation (inside the house) being made as attractive—if not more so—as any other article in the room, hence we find many fine examples of the cabinetmaker’s craft being made available for discriminating purchasers. Cabinetmaking, as such, was almost in danger of becoming a Host art until the. advent of the gramophone and the wireless set furnished it with a new lease of life, and, thanks thereto, some truly beautifully made models are being turned out by modern craftsmen.

How’s your new set working?— Ether-e ally! Because of its formidable list of high quality features the Crosley Six has been hailed as the Quest set yet produced. With one of these remarkable instruments in the home the best programmes are always at your disposal—distance, volume and clearness are assured. Arrange for a demonstration from D. A. Morrison and Co. now.*

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES

EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT FROM ALL STATIONS. IYA, AUCKLAND (333 Metres). E p.m.: Afternoon session—Selected studio items. 4.0: Literary selection by the announcer. 4.30: Close down. 6.0: Children’s hour—Nod. 7.15: Talk on “Motoring,” by Mr Geo. Campbell. 7.30: News and reports. 8.0: Chimes. 8.1: Relay of orchestral overture from Strand Theatre Orchestra, under the conductorship of Eve Bentley. 8.16: Vocal quartet—Madame Mary Towsey’s Quartet, “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.” 8.20: Banjo solo —Mr James Deane, “Plantation Symphony.” 8.25: Baritone solo—Mr John Bree, “Pagan” 8.30: Instrumental trio—Bosworth-Hemus-Towsey Trio. 8.39: Contralto solo —Miss Gwenyth Evans, “O Western Wind.” 8.43: Recital —Mr J. F. Montague, “The Fight at Orakau.” 8.49: Tenor solo—Mr Peter Rose, “Eleanore.” 8.54: ’Cello solo—Miss Lalla Hemus, “Andantino.” 8.59: Soprano solo—Madame Mary Towsey, “Hindoo Song.” 9.3: Weather report and forecast. 9.5: Relay of orchestral interlude from Strand Theatre. 9.20: Baritone solo—Mr J. Bree, “Yeoman’s Wedding Song.” 9.24: Instrumental trio—Bosworth-Hemus-Towsey Trio, “Autumn and Winter.” 9.32: Contralto solo—Miss G. Evans, “You’ve Got Your Mother’s Eyes.” 9.36: Banjo solos—Mr J. Deane. 9.42: Tenor solo—Mr S’. Rose, “The Brown Bird.” 9.46: Humorous recital—Mr J. F. Montague, “At the Dentist’s.” 9.51: Soprano solo—Madame Mary Towsey, “Love Went a-Riding.” 9.55: Instrumental trio—Bosworth-Hemus- % Towsey Trio. 10.3: Vocal quartet—Madame Mary Towsey’s Quartet, “When Evening’s Twilight.” 10.7: A Thought. 10.9: Close down. 2YA WELLINGTON. (420 Metres). 3 p.m.: Chimes of the G.P.O. clock. 3.1: Selected gramophone items. 3.30: Lecturette—Miss Marion Christian, of Wellington Gas Company, “Gas Cooking.” 3.45: Selected * gramophone items. 5.0: Close down. 6.0: Children’s hour—Uncle Ernest and party from Kelburn Normal School. Choruses, stories, songs and sketches. 7.0: News session, market reports and sports results. 7.40: Lecturette —Mr Stanley W. Fearn, A.R.1.8.A., “Architecture.” 8.0: Chimes of the G.P.O. clock. 8.1; Overture—“Doctrinen.”

DOMINION LICENSEES FEBRUARY FIGURES The Secretary of the Post Office advises that the number of radio licenses of which advice of issue has been received in Wellington up to March. 3 is as follows:

In addition there arc current seven private broadcasting licenses and one experimental license, so that the grand total of licensees contributing to New Zealand broadcasting is now 41,349. The increase, in the number of licensees during February was 435, the provincial increases in reccivivng licenses being as follows:—Auckland, 124; Canterbury, 20; Otago, 53; Wellington, 216. The number of dealers has decreased by two, and although the number has increased in Auckland and Otago, eight dealers have dropped out in Canterbury. The total increases in the number of licenses in February was just over half that for the previous month and for March the figure will probably be smaller still owing to the fact that licenses have to be renewed by ''larch 31, the end of the financial year. As this time coincides with the beginning of the season for best radio reception, it is certain that a number of new licenses will be taken out, :nd they should I make up for any licenses which are not I renewed.

8.5: Vocal quartet—The Celeste Quartet, “March of the Men of Harlech.” 8.10: Hawaiian duos—Berthold and Bent, (a) “Hawaiian Dreams” ; (b) “Honolulu 8.17: Bass solo—Mr William Boardman, “The Kerry Dance.” 8.22: Instrumental trio—Symons-Ellwood-Short Trio. 8.32: Soprano solo—Miss Myra Sawyer, “Elegie.” 8.36: Pianoforte solo—Miss Myrtle McKay. 8.43: Vocal duet—Miss Myra Sawyer and Miss Mabel Dyer, “Absent.” 8.48: Sketch—The Two Boiled Owls, “Topicalities.” 8.56: Lecturette—Editor-Announcer, “Imperial Affairs.” 9.11: Weather report and forecast. 9.12: Contralto solo—Miss Mabel Dyer, “Sognai.” 9.16: Instrumental trio—Symons-Ellwood-Short Trio. 9.26: Tenor solo—Mr Edgar Swain, “Your Tiny Hand is Frozen.” 9.31: Pianoforte solo—Miss Myrtle McKay, “ Amber Jy Wild Brooks.” 9.37: Vocal trio—Miss Myra Sawyer, Mr Edgar Swain and Mr William Boardman, “Angelos,” from “Maritana.” 9.42: Hawaiian duos—Berthold and Bent. 9.49: Sketch —The Two Boiled Owls, “Fifty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong.” 9.55: Vocal quartet—The Celeste Quartet, “The Sea Hath its Pearls.” 10.0: Close down. 3YA, CHRISTCHURCH. (306 Metres). 3 p.m.: Afternoon session—Selected studio 4.30: Close down. 6.0: Children's hour-—Big Brother and Aunt Pat, birthday greetings, songs and a visit from Peterkin. 7.15: News and reports. 8.0: Chimes. Vocal quartets—The Melodious Four, (a) “Spring Song” ; (b) “On Himalay.” Accordion solos—Mr Geo. Bennett, popular melodies, (a) “The Mocking Bird”; (b) “The Perfect Day.” Soprano solos—Miss Frances Hamerton. L.A.8., (a) “Summer Rain,” (b) “Diaphema" Bass solo—Mr T. D. Williams, “I Am a Roamer.” Instrumental trios—Christchurch Broadcasting Trio. Recital—Mr J. J. Flewellyn, “Tony Weller’s Advice to His Son Sam.” ’Cello solo—Mr Harold Beck, “Nocturne.” Contralto solo—Miss Mildred Russell, “Night.” Tenor solo—Mr Russell Sumner, “Where’er You Walk.” Weather forecast. Soprano Negro Spiritual Song—Miss Frances Hamerton, L.A.8., “I Got a Robe.” Accordion solos—Mr George Bennett, popular melodies, (a) “Way Down Upon the Swanee River,” (b) “Moonlight and Roses.” Bass solos—Mr T. D. Williams, (a) “Joo the Gypsy,” (b) “Rage, Thou Angry Storm.” Instrumental trio and ’cello solo—■ Christchurch Broadcasting Trio. Vocal quartet—The Melodious Four, “Winds of the Sweet Springtime.” Tenor solos —Mr Russell Sumner. Recital—Mr J. J. Flewellyn, “Wilkin’s Micawber’s Advice to Young David Copperfield.” Contralto solo—Miss Mildred Russell, “A Queen Story.” Tenor and bass duet—Messrs Russell Sumner and T. D. Williams, “Larboard Watch.” Close down. 4YA, DUNEDIN (463 Metres) 3 p.m.: Town Hall chimes. 3.1: His Master’s Voice recital. 3.15: Afternoon tea music from the Savoy. 3.30: Fashion talk by Miss Buccleuch of the D.S.A. 3.45: Studio music. 4.0: Music from the Savoy. 4.15: His Master’s Voice recital. 4.30: Close down. 6.0: Children’s hour—Big Brother Bill. 7.15: News, session. 7.30: Address on the Anniversary of Otago and Southland—Mr W. B. McEwen. 8.0: Town Hall chimes. 8.1: Soprano solo—Mrs D. Carty, “Ave > Maria,” from “Cavalleria Rusticana.” ’ 8.5: Pianoforte solo—Mr Gordon Findlay. 8.11: Baritone solos—Mr Bert Rawlinson. . 8.20 : Hawaiian guitar duets—Messrs Sheehy . and Campbell. 8.26: Contralto solo—Miss Flora Williamson, "To a Miniature.” 8.29: Bass solos—Mr Neil Black, (a) “Ship--1 mates o’ Mine.” 8.36: Weather report and forecast. 8.39: Soprano solos—Mrs D. Carty. s 8.47 : Pianoforte solos—Mr Gordon Findlay. R 8.55: Contralto solos—Miss Flora Williamrm son.

9.7: Hawaiian guitar duet—Messrs Sheehy and Campbell. 9.10: Bass solo—Mr Neil Black. 9.15: Relay of dance music from the Savoy. 10.0: Close down. 4QG, BRISBANE. <385 Metres). A RADIO NOVELTY. The first portion of the programme will comprise a radio novelty. Station 4QG has received from Palings the full parts for a choral number. These have not been seen by any person and have been placed in a sealed package. At eight o’clock the station will change across to the Brisbane School of Arts where the Brisbane Eisteddfod Choir (Conducted: Mr Robinson), will be at work. 4QG*s Announcer will hand the sealed package to the conductor of the choir before the microphone and he will open it, distribute the parts and immediately commence a rehearsal. The conductor of the choir has promised that by half past eight the choir will give a first class rendering of the number which neither he nor any of the choristers have seen. PART 11. In response to numerous requests, particularly from returned soldiers, the third of tho three diggers plays which were broadcast last year—“ The Battalion Reunion”—will be repeated. The first and second of the three ‘‘Off Duty” and “Homeward Bound” were repeated in January and February.

“The Battalion Reunion” is a radio play in which the adventures of four diggers who meet, at a Smoke Concert after twelve months in civil life are related. 8.30: Digger Play—" The Battalion Reunion.” 10.0 p.m.: The Daily Mail news; weather news; close down. 3LO, MELBOURNE. (371 Metres). 7.45: Collingwood Citizens’ Band. 7.55: Ernest Sage, baritone, "The Earl King.” 8.2: H. K. Love, “Technicalities.” 8.12: Collingwood Citizens’ Band, “Soldiers’ Chorus.” 8.19: Molly Mackay, soprano. 8.26: Eric Akins will speak on “To-mor-row’s events at the Motordrome.” 8.36: Collingwood Citizens’ Band. 8.46: Ernest Sage, baritone. 8.53: Collingwood Citizens’ Band. 9.3: Hugh Huxham’s Serenaders. 9.23: Collingwood Citizens’ Band. 9.30: Programme of Gipsy music arranged by Miss Mary Campbell, of the Albert Street Conservatorium. 10.27: Argus news service; weather information ; announcements. 10.30: “Cardigan” will speak on to-mor-row’s races. 10.53: The Station Orchestra. 11.0: Our Great Thought. 11.1: The Vagabonds. 11.40: Close down. 2BL, SYDNEY. (349 Metres). 5.45: Children’s session. 6.30: Dinner music. 7.0: Chimes. Sporting and athletic news ; weather information; market and stock re7.45: Programme announcements. 8.0: G.P.O. chimes. Broadcasters’ topical chorus. Evening programme. 10.20: Resume of following day's programme and weather report. 10.24: The Wentworth Cafe Dance Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Cyril Kaye, broadcast from the ballroom of the Wentworth. During intervals between dances Sun news will be broadcast. 11.30: G.P.O. clock and chimes. Clos down. 2FC, SYDNEY (442 Metres). 5.45 p.m.: Children’s session. 6.30: Dinner music. 7.15: Weather reports; latest sport information ; Evening News service; programme announcements. 8.0: Studio concert. 10.30: Dance music from the Ambassadors. 11.45: Close down. j Hours, wave lengths, etc., of other Australian stations are:—2BE, Sydney (326i.i), Tuesday, Thursday, 8 to 10.30 p.m.; 2GB, Sydney (326 m 9.30 to 11.30 p.m.; 2KY, Sydney (280 m 9.30 to 11.30 p.m.; 2HD, Newcastle (280 m irregular; 2MK, Bathurst (275 m irregular; 2UE, South Randwick (297 m 9.30 to 11.30 p.m.; 2UW, Sydney i (263 m irregular; 3AR, Melbourne (484 m 9.15 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.; 3DB, Melbourne (255 m 8 p.m. to midnight; 3UZ, Melbourne (319 m Monday. Wednesday, 9 to 11.30 p.m.; SCL, Adelaide (395 m 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. ; 7ZL, Hobart (516 m 8.80 p.m. to 1.30 a.m.; 7BN, Launceston (283 m irregular. Note.—ln regard to the detailed programmes of the Australian stations Australian time is given in each instance, which is 1% hours behind that of New Zealand.

Receiving Dealers’ Transmitting licenses, licenses. licenses Auckland .. 13,949 503 43 Canterbury .. 8,220 308 27 Otago .. .. 2,267 175 17 Wellington .. 15,027 762 51 Total .. 39,463 1,748 138